How To Sow Grass Seed In Winter For A Lush Spring Lawn

Get a jump start on spring lawn establishment by sowing grass seed in winter, a process called dormant seeding. By seeding cool-season lawns during the winter months, you avoid the common delay of spring sowing, namely wet soil. Winter-sown seeds can germinate up to several weeks earlier, allowing young grass seedlings to take advantage of early spring rains. Dormant seeding also gives the lawn a head start over weeds and provides more time for lawns to establish before the heat of summer arrives. Learn when and where to use dormant seeding, and how to prepare soil and sow grass seed in winter for an edge on spring lawn establishment. 

Understanding Dormant Seeding

Dormant seeding is a method of sowing cool-season grass seed in winter for germination the following spring. The goal is for the seed to lie dormant in the soil during the winter months and germinate when soil temperatures warm in spring. As such, this practice works best in the upper reaches of the South, where consistently cold temperatures prevent seeds from germinating during the winter.  

Dormant seeding works well for establishing lawn on bare soil and overseeding thin lawns. It is only used for cool season turfgrasses such as Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, tall fescues. These grasses are most active during the winter and early spring months, when they put on most of their growth. To accommodate this cool-season growth, early fall is the best time to establish cool-season lawns, however winter sowing provides a great second option.  

Preparing Your Lawn For Winter Seeding

Good seed-to-soil contact is necessary for optimal germination. The natural freezing and thawing cycles common in winter help settle the seeds into the soil, but a little preparation is also needed. Prepare the lawn in fall, before snow falls or winter rain arrives. If you are overseeding thin turf, start by mowing the existing lawn to a height of two inches. This low canopy will help the seeds reach the soil.  

It is also important to loosen the top ¼ inch of soil. In small areas, this can be accomplished through hand raking. For larger areas, core aeration, power-raking, shallow tilling, or vertical mowing can be used to prepare the soil and remove thatch. When cultivating, go over the area lightly, setting blades to penetrate only ¼ inch deep. Rake away dead foliage, fallen autumn leaves, and other debris.  

Seeding Process

Timing is critical when it comes to winter sowing. If seed is sown too early, some seeds may germinate, and the resulting seedlings may not survive the winter. On the other hand, seeds sown once the ground has frozen cannot easily work their way into the soil.  

Timing varies based on your location and weather conditions, but dormant season sowing is typically done between late November and early February in the Upper South. Wait until soil temperatures are consistently below 40˚F. Do not sow over the top of snow, however, sowing just before a snowfall or winter rain is a great choice. 

If soil was prepared earlier in the year, rake the area again before seeding to loosen the soil and remove debris. Apply seed at the high end of the recommended label rate. Use a handheld broadcaster or wheeled spreader to distribute seeds evenly over the planting area. For even coverage, apply half the seed making passes with the spreader in one direction, then apply the second half of the seed in the opposite direction. It can be helpful to mix the seeds with sand, Milorganite, or a similar material to help distribute them more evenly.  

Lightly rake the planting area to incorporate the seed into the soil. There is no need to apply fertilize until plant growth begins in spring.  

Post-Seeding Care

If rain or snow is not expected after sowing, lightly mist the area (about 0.10 inches of water) to settle the seed into the soil. Then leave the area alone until early spring. Damp soil typically stays moist through the winter months, as cool temperatures and the short days of winter keep it from drying quickly. 

It may be helpful to apply a thin layer of straw to hold seeds in place on sloped land or in areas exposed to windy conditions. Straw also protects seeds from hungry birds. Be sure to use straw and not hay, which contains many weed seeds.  

Seeds do not require much care during the winter months. In early spring, seeds will begin to germinate when soil temperatures rise to 50 to 65°F, which typically correlates to air temperatures between 60 and 75°F. Look for an inexpensive soil thermometer at your local garden center to help you take the guess work out of when seeds begin germination.

When germination begins, it is important to maintain adequate soil moisture through light, frequent irrigation. Mist the area each day (unless it rains) for the first 10 to 14 days, making sure the upper inch of soil is moist. We want the soil to be damp, not soggy or wet. Practice deeper, less frequent irrigation once the seedlings are established to promote deep rooting. Apply a starter fertilizer to provide the new grass plants the essential nutrients they need to grow.  

Considerations And Limitations

Dormant seeding relies on weather conditions that help maintain seed dormancy throughout winter. This approach will not work in the lower areas of the South, where winter weather is mild and temperatures fluctuate. Periods of warm weather mid-winter can cause seeds to germinate
before spring. The resulting plants are likely to be killed when cold weather returns.  

The success of dormant seeding varies based on winter conditions. Unexpected warm spells, seed displacement from flooding, and other environmental factors can lead to failures. Of course, weather can impact germination rates any time of year. If newly seeded areas appear thin, you can always add more seed as needed. Allow enough time in spring for emerging seedlings to come up before deciding to overseed.